For years, the idea of Major League Baseball in Portland has captured the imagination of many in the Rose City. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred aims to expand the league to 32 teams. He plans to do this before leaving office in 2029. That dream could become a reality. Portland has a rich baseball history. The city has a passionate fanbase and a dedicated group of investors. These investors are working to bring an MLB team to Portland. But is Portland truly a viable expansion market? Let’s delve into the possibility of Portland becoming the next MLB city.  

MLB Expansion: What’s the Latest?

Major League Baseball last expanded over two decades ago. They added the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now Rays) in 1998 . Commissioner Manfred has stated that expansion wouldn’t be considered. This decision depends on resolving the stadium situations for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays . The A’s faced challenges securing funding for a new stadium. The Rays’ Tropicana Field suffered damage from Hurricane Milton . The A’s will relocate to Las Vegas in 2028. The Rays are planning a new ballpark next to Tropicana Field in the Gas Plant district. The door for expansion seems to be open .  

Several cities are vying for expansion teams, including Nashville, Charlotte, Montreal, Salt Lake City, and Portland . Experts suggest that MLB will probably add one team in the Eastern Time Zone. Another team will likely be added in the Mountain or Pacific Time Zone to ensure balanced scheduling and realignment . This places Portland in direct competition with Salt Lake City for a spot in the West.  

Interestingly, expansion could also bring about changes to the regular season schedule and the locations where games are played. One proposal suggests shortening the season to 150 games. It also suggests incorporating international games in cities like Australia, Seoul, and Tokyo.  

MLB expansion has historically been influenced by various factors. These factors include population shifts, franchise relocations, and antitrust laws . These factors have presented challenges in the past and could continue to shape the league’s expansion plans.  

Challenges and Obstacles: Overcoming Hurdles

While the prospect of an MLB team in Portland is exciting, several challenges need to be addressed:

• Funding: Securing the necessary funding for the stadium and franchise acquisition remains a significant hurdle. While PDP has attracted investors, the estimated $2 billion total cost will require substantial financial commitments. Expansion fees alone could range from $800 million to $1 billion. This estimation is based on the recent sale of the Miami Marlins.  
• Transportation: Ensuring adequate transportation options for fans attending games at the proposed Zidell Yards site will be crucial. While the location offers some public transportation access, addressing potential traffic congestion and parking limitations will be important .  
• Competition: Portland faces stiff competition from other cities vying for an MLB expansion team. Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte all present strong cases. Portland will need to differentiate itself to secure a franchise.  
• Regional Dynamics: Introducing an MLB team in Portland could create regional competition with the Seattle Mariners. This could potentially benefit both teams by increasing fan interest and rivalry. However, it might also lead to challenges in attracting fans and corporate sponsorships.
• Impact on the Game: Expansion could increase league offense. This may happen due to the dilution of pitching talent. It could also result in MLB expanding the playoff format. More teams might be included, potentially diminishing the significance of the regular season.  

Portland’s Baseball History: A Century of Passion

Portland’s baseball history is long and storied, dating back to 1866 with the formation of the Pioneer Baseball Club . The city has a deep-rooted passion for the sport. It has a history of professional and amateur teams. These teams have been captivating fans for over a century.  

In the early days, teams like the Webfeet, the Browns, and the Gladiators showcased their skills in various leagues . Portland’s most famous team, the Beavers, played in the city for over a hundred years. They won multiple Pacific Coast League (PCL) championships. The Beavers solidified their place in the city’s sports legacy .  

Vaughn Street Park, built in 1901, holds a special place in Portland’s baseball history . The Red Sox discovered the legendary Ted Williams there. Renowned players like Joe Tinker and Jim Thorpe also showcased their talents . Even the iconic athlete Jim Thorpe donned a Beavers uniform in 1922, adding to the team’s allure .  

The Beavers later moved to Multnomah Stadium (now Providence Park), which continued to host various baseball teams until 2010 . Although the Beavers eventually left Portland, the city’s love for baseball has endured.  

Baseball in Portland Today

While Portland awaits the potential arrival of an MLB team, baseball continues to thrive in the city. The Hillsboro Hops are a minor league team in the Portland metro area. They consistently draw large crowds. This demonstrates the region’s appetite for the sport.  

Several baseball leagues cater to different age groups and skill levels in Portland. The Mavericks Independent Baseball League includes the Portland Mavericks. They are an independent collegiate wood bat baseball team. This team carries on the legacy of the city’s beloved Mavericks. The Wild Wild West League is a four-team league. It plays at Walker Stadium in Lents Park. It provides another avenue for baseball enthusiasts to enjoy the game.

Leagues like the Pacific Northwest League provide opportunities for players to engage with baseball in Portland. Fans also have chances to engage with baseball.  

Potential Stadium Sites

Over the years, several potential sites have been considered for a future MLB ballpark in Portland. Here’s a summary of the key locations and their respective advantages and challenges:

Site	Location	Status	Advantages	Challenges
Terminal 2	Northwest Industrial	Agreement lapsed	Waterfront location, ample space	Environmental impact, lack of public transportation
Lloyd Center	Downtown	Considered	Existing infrastructure, proximity to downtown	Limited space, potential red tape
RedTail Golf Center	Beaverton	Negotiations failed	Large site, potential for development	Distance from Portland, limited transportation
Zidell Yards	South Waterfront	Letter of intent signed	Waterfront location, proximity to downtown, potential for development	Funding, traffic concerns

The Stadium: A Waterfront Vision

The Portland Diamond Project has chosen Zidell Yards as the future site of an MLB stadium. This location is a 33-acre property on Portland’s South Waterfront. This location offers a unique opportunity to create a truly iconic and distinctive ballpark experience.  

The proposed stadium is situated on the Willamette River. It would provide stunning views. It would also integrate seamlessly with the city’s landscape. The proximity to downtown Portland and access to public transportation further enhance the site’s appeal.  

The proposed stadium is designed by Populous in partnership with TVA Architects. It would be a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 32,000 to 34,000. It would include a retractable roof. This feature ensures comfortable game-day experiences regardless of the weather. Additionally, a gondola lift suite adds a touch of luxury and excitement.  

The development around the stadium has the potential to be transformative. It is comparable to the revitalization of the South Waterfront district. An entertainment district with restaurants, shops, and residential spaces could create a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors.  

Fan Support: A Built-in Base

Portland has a proven track record of supporting professional sports teams. The city has a strong sports culture that suggests an MLB team would be well-received. The Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) have a loyal following. They boasted a historical sellout streak from 1977 to 1995. The Portland Timbers (MLS) consistently rank among the league leaders in attendance. The Thorns FC, Portland’s women’s soccer team, also enjoys significant attendance figures, further demonstrating the city’s enthusiasm for professional sports.  

A survey conducted by NVGT found that 23% of fans believe Portland should be the next MLB city . Reasons cited include the city’s friendly atmosphere. Its growing population also contributes to this viewpoint. Fans desire an MLB team in Oregon to avoid traveling to Seattle for games .  

The potential for a passionate Pacific Northwest rivalry between a Portland MLB team and the Seattle Mariners is significant. This could ignite fan engagement and regional interest in baseball. This rivalry could create a unique dynamic. It could draw fans from both cities. It could foster a sense of community around the sport.  

Portland’s demographics also suggest a potential for strong fan support. With a median age of 39.4 years, the city has a substantial population of individuals in the prime demographic for baseball viewership . The city’s diverse population and relatively high income levels further contribute to its potential as an MLB market .  

Corporate Support: Building Partnerships

Attracting corporate sponsorships will be essential for the financial viability of an MLB team in Portland. The city may not have the same level of corporate presence as larger markets. However, PDP is actively working to build relationships with local businesses. They aim to secure their support.  

Potential sponsors like Bi-Mart, Fred Meyer, and Ilani Casino could support the team significantly. They could also help integrate it into the community . The Portland City Council has unanimously approved a resolution to support constructing an MLB stadium in the South Waterfront. This resolution signals the city’s commitment to attracting a team. This resolution instructs city staffers to collaborate with PDP. They need to explore city assets that could enhance Portland’s proposal to MLB . The city will now work to put together “a competitive package” for MLB officials to consider.  

The potential economic impact of an MLB team on Portland is substantial. The stadium project itself could create construction jobs and generate significant revenue for the city . The stadium and entertainment district could revitalize the South Waterfront area. This would attract further investment and boost the local economy.  

Conclusion: Weighing the Possibilities

The possibility of Portland becoming an MLB city is closer than ever before. The city has a dedicated ownership group, a viable stadium plan, and a passionate fanbase. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in securing funding and addressing transportation concerns.

Portland’s rich baseball history, strong sports culture, and potential for corporate support are compelling arguments in its favor. The proposed waterfront stadium at Zidell Yards could create a truly iconic ballpark experience. The potential rivalry with the Seattle Mariners could ignite regional interest in baseball.

The high cost of acquiring a franchise and building a stadium is a major challenge. Additionally, competition from other cities and potential regional dynamics makes the situation more difficult. Portland must overcome these challenges. They need to present a compelling case to Major League Baseball for their bid to succeed.

While the dream of hearing “Play Ball!” might not be guaranteed at a major league ballpark in Portland, the city’s passion for baseball is strong. The efforts of the Portland Diamond Project have undoubtedly brought that dream closer to reality.